Women are increasingly becoming a demographic at risk for firearm suicide, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. The research, led by Laura Prater, an assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Public Health, found that nearly 40% of women who died by firearm suicide had no documented history of mental or physical health problems.
This alarming statistic highlights the need for tailored prevention strategies to address the rising trend of suicides among women, especially as gun ownership among women has surged in recent years. In fact, women now make up about 50% of new gun owners, a significant increase from previous decades.
Traditionally, firearm suicide deaths have been highest among white men, including veterans. However, the study’s findings suggest that the landscape is shifting, and it is crucial to understand the contributing factors that may help in preventing suicides among women.
One key takeaway from the study is that less than one-third of the women who died by firearm suicide had received mental health treatment, and only around one-fifth had a known physical health diagnosis. This leaves a large group of at-risk women who may not have access to traditional prevention opportunities within the healthcare system.
Prater’s previous work has focused on interventions in healthcare settings to identify individuals at risk for self-harm and connect them with appropriate care. However, the new data has prompted her to consider alternative options for reaching at-risk women who may not be accessing the healthcare system.
Potential strategies include reaching out to participants in programs for women facing violence, educating community health workers, and providing screenings and education at events where women gather. Additionally, healthcare providers should prioritize discussions around gun safety and suicide prevention in all settings, including federally qualified health centers.
The study underscores the need for widespread efforts to educate Americans about gun safety and prevent deaths by firearm suicide, especially as firearms are present in at least one-third of American homes. By identifying risk factors and implementing targeted prevention strategies, it is possible to reduce the incidence of firearm suicides among women.
The research was conducted by a team of researchers from The Ohio State University, including Jennifer Hefner and Pejmon Noghrehchi. The study is available for further reading in JAMA Network Open.
For more information, you can access the original study by Laura C. Prater et al in JAMA Network Open. Additional details and citations can be found on The Ohio State University’s website.
